Iranian women's national soccer team banned from Olympic qualifying tournament

The dispute between Iran and FIFA, soccer's governing body, over the wearing of Islamic veils during competition started back in 2007 when FIFA banned the garments.

Ali Jarekji / Reuters

Players of the Iranian women's national soccer team react after withdrawing from their qualifying match against Jordan for the 2012 London Olympic Games in Amman June 3. The Iranian team were banned from the match on Friday in the second round of qualifiers in protest against guidelines on their veil. The FIFA woman's association requires that any covering used does not cover the neck and ears. In Iran all women are required to cover their hair in public to conform to the Islamic dress code.

Ali Jarekji / Reuters

An assistant helps a player of the Iranian women's national soccer team adjust her veil before their qualifying match against Jordan for the 2012 London Olympic Games in Amman June 3. The Iranian team were banned from the match on Friday in the second round of qualifiers in protest against guidelines on their veil. The FIFA woman's association requires that any covering used does not cover the neck and ears. In Iran all women are required to cover their hair in public to conform to the Islamic dress code.